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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency ban on the use of DCPA, a widely used herbicide (a chemical to control weeds), citing urgent concerns about its impact on human health and the environment. This is the first time in over 40 years that the EPA has taken this type of emergency action.

DCPA, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate or by its trade name Dacthal, has been used for decades to control weeds in a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The chemical works by inhibiting root and shoot growth in certain plants. While effective at controlling weeds, growing evidence has raised concerns about its potential negative health effects and environmental impact.

Research continuously shows that DCPA poses severe health risks including thyroid problems and certain types of cancer. The dangers are especially pronounced for pregnant women as the pesticide has been found to cause changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills.

Additionally, DCPA and its breakdown products have been shown to persist in soil and water for extended periods, potentially accumulating over time. Studies have also shown that DCPA can leach into groundwater sources, raising concerns about drinking water safety in agricultural areas.

Like many other pesticides including glyphosate (round up), DCPA also has adverse effects on beneficial soil microbes. As recent studies have shown, the health of the soil and its microbiome is incredibly important for the health and micronutrient content of plants, and of our environment as a whole. And similar to our own microbiome, a healthy soil microbiome is essential for optimal health of the planet.

The use of emergency authority to ban a pesticide is relatively rare and underscores the EPA’s assessment of the urgency of the situation. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the EPA has the power to suspend or cancel the registration of a pesticide if it determines that it poses an imminent hazard.

This emergency action bypasses the usual lengthy process of pesticide re-evaluation, which can take years to complete. In fact, when the EPA requested new data on the health risks of DCPA in 2013, the manufacturer took years to release information deemed “insufficient” by the Agency.

While the emergency ban provides immediate protection, the EPA has announced that it will be conducting a comprehensive review of DCPA. This process will involve a thorough examination of all available scientific data, as well as input from industry representatives, environmental groups, and public health experts.

The EPA’s action on DCPA may signal a shift towards more aggressive regulation of potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides. Environmental groups are already calling for similar reviews of other widely used agricultural chemicals, arguing that many products currently on the market may pose unacceptable risks.

This move also aligns with growing consumer demand for foods produced with fewer synthetic pesticides. As public awareness of the potential health and environmental impacts of agricultural chemicals continues to increase, pressure for stricter regulation is likely to mount.

As science continues to evolve and our understanding of chemical impacts improves, we can expect ongoing reassessment and potential restrictions on longstanding agricultural practices.